Active discussions

Help protect children from gaming harms.

Take our survey

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Which of these Indian names would you consider to be secular?

64 replies

Babyonthewaysoon · 06/04/2021 10:19

Baby girl will be of mixed Indian & Pakistani heritage and from Hindu and Muslim backgrounds. We won’t raise her to follow either faith because we’re not religious. We want an Indian name, not an Arab or Persian one!
Some that we have considered but aren’t sure if they are appropriate or not for a Muslim/ Hindu background but non-religious child? Honest opinions please!
Anjali
Deepika
Diya
Tara
Sima
Avani
Nisha
Disha
Vidya
Vaani
Anjana
Rohini
Aditi
Jaya
Shreya
Vaishali
Ambika
Shaila
Ankita
Ananya

Suggestions are more than welcome!! :)

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
Original poster
Babyonthewaysoon · 06/04/2021 12:15

Thanks to all the posters for all the comments & advice so far on here!

@SionnachRua Do you think Anjali could offend others in the Hindu community? The meaning of the name doesn’t seem too religious in itself to me but I know that the word Anjali is used in the context of anjali mantras for puja etc. I think it’s beautiful. Used in dance & yoga too. I know we have to stay away from any specific goddess names - I think Anjali is quite safe to use but I don’t know whether others in the Hindu community will be ok with it.

OP posts:
KirstenBlest · 06/04/2021 11:58

I would think of Gone with the Wind with Tara.

KirstenBlest · 06/04/2021 11:57

Anjali is lovely.

Angelie isn't.

SionnachRua · 06/04/2021 11:20

Anjali is beautiful as it is, I really wouldn't adjust the spelling for the West. I also don't think it's that tricky to grasp pronunciation wise? Seems like it would travel well.

Beseigedbykillersquirrels · 06/04/2021 11:19

What about Rita?

Beseigedbykillersquirrels · 06/04/2021 11:06

@Babyonthewaysoon I really liked Anvi when I was pregnant but I appreciate it's the name of a goddess so might not be appropriate for your family. I also liked Rushi but then a new takeaway with that name opened and I went off it.

Original poster
Babyonthewaysoon · 06/04/2021 10:38

@AcornAutumn @SionnachRua We could spell Anjali like Angelie for the western version but I think that would look odd and kind of ruin the beauty of the original Sanskrit name. Angelie looks like a totally different name. The offering/ gift to god meaning is lovely to us as long as it’s not too controversial for others! It’s so hard to know with names.

@Beseigedbykillersquirrels Anya / Avni are lovely, thanks!

OP posts:
Reearry · 06/04/2021 10:35

All the names on your list are secular. Go with whatever sounds good to you. I like Tara, Nisha and Vidya from your list

BaronessBomburst · 06/04/2021 10:34

I like Nisha and Jaya, but don't have a Muslim or Hindu background so have no idea if they're secular or not.

SionnachRua · 06/04/2021 10:29

Speaking as a non-Hindu/Muslim, Diya makes me think of Diya lamps and Tara has Irish associations for me.

I still love Anjali the most from your list. I can't speak to any religious associations it or the others might have.

babba2014 · 06/04/2021 10:27

They to me seem like Hindu names and nor just Indian alone. I haven't seen any in the list that have any inkling towards the Muslim side too.
I'll add Samah

AcornAutumn · 06/04/2021 10:26

I don't know that it will be easy to find a secular one

I don't think too much about the meaning of names but Anjali can mean offering or gift to god.

I'd just pick what you like, a religious person is bound to find a link somewhere.

Beseigedbykillersquirrels · 06/04/2021 10:25

Anya or Avni?

Balonder · 06/04/2021 10:22

I love Diya